THE closure of a North Harrow bank has sparked warnings the area could be “dying”.

Lloyds TSB, in Pinner Road, is reportedly to close by Friday, December 17, leaving the nearest branch in Harrow Town Centre.

Councillor James Bond (independent/Headstone North) berated the absence of big name companies in the area and said it is now known for take away shops.

He said: “It does get that image, that all North Harrow is now is take away town. I'm not trying to run it down deliberately but you just have to open your eyes.

“Everything is now a car or public transport journey away – there's nothing for local people. This is just going to send out signals that the town is dying.”

He added: “Just a week before Christmas it will be a disastrous end to 2010 for North Harrow.”

Cllr Bond said the area has suffered from the fact a supermarket was never opened in the Gilbert Square housing development, as originally planned when the estate was built in 2008.

He said there are still residents who remembered its hey day in decades gone by when there was a cinema, bowling alley, WH Smiths and a Clerks shoe shop.

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said: “Lloyds is an important focal point in the community, a bit like the Post Office.

“In the absence of a proper superstore it's been important in ensuring the number of people who do use shops continue to do so.”

He highlighted the fact the company has also closed its Rayners Lane branch and said he would be organising a petition against the move, as well as meeting bank bosses in a bid to change their minds.